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The Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 NRL season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in Victoria, following returning from a extended period in New Zealand after undergoing brain surgery.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old athlete sustained three separate head injuries during a single afternoon while representing the Tongan national team in a Pacific Championship match against the Kiwis. Subsequently, he experienced convulsions while on the sideline, necessitating urgent medical care.

A medical operation to relieve bleeding on the brain left Katoa hospitalized and initially unable to travel back to Melbourne.

The team revealed this week that the forward has finally returned home and is recovering, having also been briefly admitted to a local medical facility.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing remain our number one priority,” said Storm CEO Justin Rodski. “It is great to have him back home and under the supervision of our club doctor and specialist physicians.”

The Road to Recovery

Rodski noted that the player is improving each day and is looking forward to pursuing his recovery in a home environment.

However, the CEO stated that there is no timeframe for Katoa’s recovery or a potential return to training.

“In consultation with our medical team and neuro specialists, Eli will not return to training during the preseason and is ruled out for the 2026 season,” Rodski declared. “He has a lengthy recovery process ahead of him, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness before considering a potential comeback to training.”

Rodski concluded by noting that Eli is a much loved and respected member of our team and club, and that the entire club will support him fully and assist him during his recovery.

League Investigation

The National Rugby League is currently finalizing its investigation into the circumstances that led to Katoa’s surgery.

The talented player, who was selected for the competition’s team of the year at the annual awards ceremony, appeared to suffer a concussion during the warm-up for the Pacific Championship match.

Despite this, Katoa was cleared to participate in the match and endured two more head impacts before being substituted in the later stages.

Katoa’s condition deteriorated quickly, and he required oxygen beside the field before being removed from the field on a stretcher.

The NRL has attempted to address issues around concussions in the game in recent seasons, implementing crackdowns on high tackles and lengthening the mandatory recovery time for injured athletes.